The invention relates to a milk-based formulation with a reduced carbohydrate content, having a ratio of carbohydrates to protein of at most 1.1, a protein content of at least 5.4% on dry matter basis, and a ratio of ash to protein is substantially similar to that of a milk raw material used as a starting material, and a method for the preparation thereof. The milk-based formulation can be used in the preparation of a recombined milk product with a reduced lactose content, having a full taste of normal milk without any deficiencies in its organoleptic properties.